The Ancient Romans Were Better At Making Sustainable Concrete Than We Are

(US News & World Report 06-04-2013) An ancient concrete mixture could be better for the environment and just as strong as modern mixtures. The secret to making sustainable, strong concrete may have been at the bottom the Mediterranean Sea for the past 2,000 years: Researchers believe that the ancient Romans created concrete that is more environmentally friendly and durable than modern cement.
 

House GOP bill would cut EPA out of coal ash regulation

(The Hill 06-04-2013) Legislation from a Republican lawmaker would almost entirely cut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) out of regulating the ash produced from power plants that burn coal. A bill introduced by Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.) this week seeks to override the EPA's proposal to regulate the ash, which Republicans say could threaten more than 300,000 jobs.
 

Bill introduced to improve coal ash residuals legislation

(Power Engineering 06-04-2013) Newer legislation that would set up a state-based regulatory program to regulate the disposal and management of coal combustion residuals and encourage reuse was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 3. Rep. David McKinley (R-W.V.) introduced the bill during a meeting of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy will mark it up later in the week.
 

Rainy season first real test for artificial reefs

(The Nation Multimedia.com 05-17-2013) Thailand-The rainy season will be the first real test for the artificial reefs placed in shallow waters along the coast of Phetchaburi's Cha-am district as they begin their mission of preventing coastal erosion. The reefs, which are partially made from lignite fly ash, were placed along the coastline on Wednesday. "This artificial reef will have to prove itself," community leader Chairat Tabtong said, adding that though he welcomed the initiative, he still had reservations.

EGAT places artificial coral reef at the Sirindhorn International environmental Park

(Thailand National News Bureau 05-16-2013) Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will begin to submerge artificial coral reefs, mixed with lignite fly ash, under the sea in Phetchaburi to prevent its coast from erosion.

Self-Compacting Concrete made with Ash from Combustion of Olive Pruning Residue Pellets

(AzoBuild 05-03-2013) University of Granada researchers have successfully manufactured self-compacting concrete using ash from the combustion of olive pruning residue pellets. Due to its plasticity and cohesion, this type of concrete needs no compaction when used in construction and has many advantages over conventional concrete, resulting in considerable savings of time and money.
 

Proposed Effluent Guidelines Lay Out Options for New, Existing Power Plants

(Bloomberg BNA 04-23-2013) The Environmental Protection Agency has laid out a series of regulatory options that power plants fired by fossil fuels and nuclear energy could use to comply with proposed effluent guidelines in a move the agency said reflects the growing problem of power plant discharges. For existing power plants, EPA is proposing four preferred options, and it has identified a single option for controlling discharges from new power plants. The agency also is seeking comment on other options for both existing and new plants.
 

EPA Suggests Less-Stringent Approach On Coal Ash, Bolstering Industry

(Clean Energy Report 04-23-2013) EPA says it is leaning toward regulating coal ash as a “solid waste” rather than as a “hazardous waste” subject to strict waste management rules, a move that is winning praise from industry groups concerned about the likely cost of stringent requirements and the uncertainty created by the agency's lengthy rulemaking process.
 

Coal-Ash Recyclers Seen Aided in EPA’s Water-Discharge Plan

(Bloomberg.com 04-22-2013) Headwaters Inc. (HW) and other companies that recycle waste from coal-fired power plants may benefit from less-restrictive rules that U.S.

Concrete Moves for Carbon Reduction

(The Construction Index 04-12-2013) Ash produced at coal-fired power stations is helping to improve the sustainability of concrete. Dr Robert Carroll from the UK Quality Ash Association explains how. Concrete is one of the most important construction materials there is. The worldwide use of concrete today is more than double that of wood, plastic, steel and aluminium combined. But it is one of the most carbon intensive industries on the planet and it is under increasing pressure to change the way it operates.